Opinions - Graduate School

SopChick

As some of you may know, I have been in the process of graduate school applications, and offers have started to come in. Two of the offers have also had scholarships attached, one for about 1/3 of tuition, the other for full tuition. The offer for approximately 1/3 of my tuition is to my top choice program, and they said in the original offer that more funding may become available should people decline their offers. The school that offered me full tuition is sort of my "safety" school, and is not the ideal program for what I am hoping to do with my career.

My question is, would it be inappropriate to ask the first school mentioned above if more funding is available - citing the second offer? Obviously not in the "I won't come here unless you give me more money, because School X is going to give me more, so you'd better pay up" kind of way.

Also, if you feel it is appropriate, how would YOU word the email if you were in the same situation? (they said to contact via email if you have any questions)

Ember01

I didn't have a second offer (I only applied to one school). I was accepted without an assistantship (I was a late application). I called the director and mentioned that if anything came available, I would really appreciate it if I were considered for funding. He told me he'd work on it. I told him I fully intended coming without funding, but that I would have to be part time. A week later, he called with an assistantship for me. I would just call and be honest. You also might ask if there is other departments that you can get funding from. A lot of my cohort gets partial funding from Graduate Studies and they help with training all the new graduate students. Others are funded by some graduate research department. So, maybe there are other opportunities for funding.

I know at my school, if they really want someone, they figure out a way to get them the funding.

motoLyn

I honestly wouldn't write your top choice and ask for more money since safety school is offering full tuition.  They could just as well tell you take it or leave it else we'll offer your spot to some one else who would be ecstatic to be here.  I think at this point you need to figure out what's more important and beneficial to you, your top choice and having to supplement your tuition or safety school and having a full ride even if its not in your true career field.   I'm sure your first school can give you more later one once acceptances have been settled.

SopChick

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_opinions-graduate-school?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:df55f900-c2a0-4fa0-9fa0-acb34c386b6bPost:e03faa45-fceb-4f42-88a8-cb809267add9">Re: Opinions - Graduate School</a>:
[QUOTE]I honestly wouldn't write your top choice and ask for more money since safety school is offering full tuition.  They could just as well tell you take it or leave it else we'll offer your spot to some one else who would be ecstatic to be here.  I think at this point you need to figure out what's more important and beneficial to you, your top choice and having to supplement your tuition or safety school and having a full ride even if its not in your true career field.   I'm sure your first school can give you more later one once acceptances have been settled.
Posted by motoLyn[/QUOTE]

That's my big concern with it - that they'll just tell me "too bad" and think I don't want to be there. It just sucks because top choice is across the country, so there are more costs associated with getting there, etc and safety is close by.

Thanks for the opinions ladies! :)

KD+BC

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_opinions-graduate-school?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:df55f900-c2a0-4fa0-9fa0-acb34c386b6bPost:6a4624d7-0b75-46f9-a857-c95d11b4d5db">Re: Opinions - Graduate School</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Opinions - Graduate School : That's my big concern with it - that they'll just tell me "too bad" and think I don't want to be there. It just sucks because top choice is across the country, so there are more costs associated with getting there, etc and safety is close by. Thanks for the opinions ladies! :)
Posted by SopChick[/QUOTE]

1) They already accepted you so they obviously think you are a good fit.

2) Don't email, call or go in person to speak with someone.

3) Definitely ask for more money. The worst they can say is no. Go in and tell them what draws you to their program and why you really would like to attend but state that you are conflicted because another school has offered you a full scholarship.

In the end, do what is best for you.

noelle24

They've already offered you admission, right?  They can't rescind it because you ask for more money. 

I think it's perfectly fair to write an email that says something to the effect of "I was thrilled to receive my acceptance to the X program at Y university, even more so when I learned of the scholarship offer.  This is absolutely my first choice school.  However, I'm concerned about my ability to afford this education, and I was wondering if there are any other scholarship opportunities available to me.  I have a full scholarship offer at another university, and in today's current economic climate, that's difficult to walk away from.  Again, I'd much prefer to come to Y, if it is at all economically feasible.  Any help you can give me in this regard would be greatly appreciated" etc. etc.

Edit: I agree with KD.  You should call or go in person if you can, rather than write an email.  Emails tend to be ignored more easily than phone calls.

That being said, how different is the quality of program?  Being debt-free after school is HUGE, but if you can't find a job in your field because the quality of education was much lower, it's not going to do you much good.  What are the graduation rates and employment rates from both programs? 

Ember01

I think how your word it will make a difference. If you sound grateful that you were accepted and just ask to be kept in mind if more funding becomes available, I doubt they will be mean about it.

If you go in and demand more money, then obviously, it probably wouldn't work out very well.

loves2shop4shoes

Definitely write to the other school.  When I applied to law school, I was admitted to 16 schools and it very much became a battle of the scholarships.  Ultimately, I went with the full scholarship offer that would provide me with the most job opportunities (I had 3 full scholarship offers).

Tell the school that they are your first choice program, that you're very excited about the possibility of attending their program because of their X,Y,Z (characteristics which are unique to them.)  Let them know that you've been accepted to several other programs and they have offered you very generous financial packages.  Tell them you will immediately withdraw all other applications and will send in your seat deposit if they are able to give you more financial help.  And allude to the fact that ultimately, it all comes down to money.

Ember01

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_opinions-graduate-school?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:df55f900-c2a0-4fa0-9fa0-acb34c386b6bPost:0eb32490-69c0-40f9-9423-d9e1fea95e88">Re: Opinions - Graduate School</a>:
[QUOTE]Definitely write to the other school.  When I applied to law school, I was admitted to<strong> 16 schools </strong>and it very much became a battle of the scholarships.  Ultimately, I went with the full scholarship offer that would provide me with the most job opportunities (I had 3 full scholarship offers). Tell the school that they are your first choice program, that you're very excited about the possibility of attending their program because of their X,Y,Z (characteristics which are unique to them.)  Let them know that you've been accepted to several other programs and they have offered you very generous financial packages.  Tell them you will immediately withdraw all other applications and will send in your seat deposit if they are able to give you more financial help.  And allude to the fact that ultimately, it all comes down to money.
Posted by loves2shop4shoes[/QUOTE]

Holy Wow! How did you keep all the schools/applications/acceptance letters straight?! Is that typical for law school?

I applied to one undergraduate school, one masters program, and one PhD program. I live on the wild side like that... LOL!

SopChick

Thank you all! I really appreciate the input.

Shoes - 16 law schools?! That's amazing, congratulations! That must have felt amazing to be accepted to that many.

My contact with them would absolutely be in the vein that you all have described, in that I would state that I'm thrilled to be accepted, that it's my top choice school, etc. It's across the country, so it's not really possible to speak with them in person. My biggest concern with calling to talk to them is that I know I would freeze up, I'm terrible at things like that. At least with an email I could write and re-write until I felt satisfied with wording.

Top choice is known for having a high percentage of graduates who go on to work in the field. Safety is not known for having graduates who do very much. Top choice is known for kicking the asses of the students while in the program, and for having opportunities for summer travel to perform in Europe, etc, whereas safety is known for having money to give but for somewhat spoon-feeding the students and having fewer opportunities. IMHO the difference in quality of education is worth the debt. (keeping in mind that I'm Canadian, so the cost and debt are not as high as for most of you guys)


Edit: Noelle, can I just hire you to write me a script of what to say, lol? That is just what I wanted to say, but I couldn't figure out how to say it.

DanieKA

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_opinions-graduate-school?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:df55f900-c2a0-4fa0-9fa0-acb34c386b6bPost:b9e9dbe4-1e07-437f-89fe-fa186ebac003">Re: Opinions - Graduate School</a>:
[QUOTE]Thank you all! I really appreciate the input. :) Shoes - 16 law schools?! That's amazing, congratulations! That must have felt amazing to be accepted to that many. My contact with them would absolutely be in the vein that you all have described, in that I would state that I'm thrilled to be accepted, that it's my top choice school, etc. It's across the country, so it's not really possible to speak with them in person. My biggest concern with calling to talk to them is that I know I would freeze up, I'm terrible at things like that. At least with an email I could write and re-write until I felt satisfied with wording. <strong>Top choice is known for having a high percentage of graduates who go on to work in the field. Safety is not known for having graduates who do very much. Top choice is known for kicking the asses of the students while in the program, and for having opportunities for summer travel to perform in Europe, etc, whereas safety is known for having money to give but for somewhat spoon-feeding the students and having fewer opportunities.</strong> IMHO the difference in quality of education is worth the debt. (keeping in mind that I'm Canadian, so the cost and debt are not as high as for most of you guys) Edit: Noelle, can I just hire you to write me a script of what to say, lol? That is just what I wanted to say, but I couldn't figure out how to say it.
Posted by SopChick[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>This says it all. Definitely ask, because as PP's have said the worst they can do is say no. I like the "keep me in mind if any funding becomes available" line.  But ultimately if this program is what you want to do in life, the choice is clear. Go to the school with the harder curriculum, with the better summer opportunities, with (I'm assuming) the better contacts, and the better after graduation record. </div><div>
</div><div>Good luck! 

</div>

tuarceatha

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_opinions-graduate-school?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:df55f900-c2a0-4fa0-9fa0-acb34c386b6bPost:61de80a3-f945-4301-b046-b736cc51867f">Re: Opinions - Graduate School</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Opinions - Graduate School : Holy Wow! How did you keep all the schools/applications/acceptance letters straight?! Is that typical for law school? <strong>I applied to one undergraduate school, one masters program, and one PhD program.</strong> I live on the wild side like that... LOL!
Posted by Ember01[/QUOTE]

hehe I applied to one undergrad (early admission) and one grad school... and when I apply for a phd program? probably just one too!

tuarceatha

But yea-SopChick-all you can do is ask. I dunno how to do it, negioating is not my thing. But I hear it works well for others.

loves2shop4shoes

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_opinions-graduate-school?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:df55f900-c2a0-4fa0-9fa0-acb34c386b6bPost:b9e9dbe4-1e07-437f-89fe-fa186ebac003">Re: Opinions - Graduate School</a>:
[QUOTE]Thank you all! I really appreciate the input. :) Shoes - 16 law schools?! That's amazing, congratulations! That must have felt amazing to be accepted to that many. My contact with them would absolutely be in the vein that you all have described, in that I would state that I'm thrilled to be accepted, that it's my top choice school, etc. It's across the country, so it's not really possible to speak with them in person. My biggest concern with calling to talk to them is that I know I would freeze up, I'm terrible at things like that. At least with an email I could write and re-write until I felt satisfied with wording. Top choice is known for having a high percentage of graduates who go on to work in the field. Safety is not known for having graduates who do very much. Top choice is known for kicking the asses of the students while in the program, and for having opportunities for summer travel to perform in Europe, etc, whereas safety is known for having money to give but for somewhat spoon-feeding the students and having fewer opportunities. IMHO the difference in quality of education is worth the debt. (keeping in mind that I'm Canadian, so the cost and debt are not as high as for most of you guys) Edit: Noelle, can I just hire you to write me a script of what to say, lol? That is just what I wanted to say, but I couldn't figure out how to say it.
Posted by SopChick[/QUOTE]

<div>Sounds like you already know what you have to do then.  Really, it sounds like you should go to your top choice no matter what, but they don't need to know that you're that willing to go without money.</div><div>
</div><div>And yeah.  I applied to 18 law schools and the only two I didn't get into were BU and Georgetown, which is weird...because I got into some schools even higher rated than those.  But whatever...I'll take my 16 acceptances.  It was definitely nice to have options and then have the schools go to war over who would give me the most money.</div>

SopChick

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_opinions-graduate-school?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:df55f900-c2a0-4fa0-9fa0-acb34c386b6bPost:af03142b-b6cf-4c16-9a3d-4de5a0f2f417">Re: Opinions - Graduate School</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Opinions - Graduate School : Sounds like you already know what you have to do then.  Really, it sounds like you should go to your top choice no matter what, but they don't need to know that you're that willing to go without money. And yeah.  I applied to 18 law schools and the only two I didn't get into were BU and Georgetown, which is weird...because I got into some schools even higher rated than those.  But whatever...I'll take my 16 acceptances.  It was definitely nice to have options and then have the schools go to war over who would give me the most money.
Posted by loves2shop4shoes[/QUOTE]

Oh yeah, I had decided which school I wanted to go to before offers came in - pretty much during the audition process actually, it was just a question of whether it was poor etiquette to try for more funding based on the other offers. I think I will contact them, using the type of approaches suggested here. The worst they can do is tell me there is no extra funding available, right?

Thanks again everyone, it was good to have some unbiased opinions from level-headed, logical people. :)